FAQ
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- Do you have any discounts?Absolutely! We provide a 5% discount on your initial purchase when you sign up for our newsletter. Subscribers receive exclusive offers and promotions, making it worthwhile to join. Don’t miss out—sign up now to enjoy these discounts!
- Can I visit True North Sailing?While True North Sailing primarily operates as an online shop, we welcome visitors by appointment! If you wish to explore our products in person or have specific inquiries, please feel free to contact us via email or phone to schedule a visit.
- Where do you deliver?We offer standard delivery to the UK and Northern Ireland. If you reside outside the UK and wish to place an order, please send us an email. We'll promptly assess the feasibility of delivery to your location and provide information on any additional costs involved.
- Can I request a specific delivery day?Absolutely! If you specify your preferred day via email, our dispatch team will coordinate the delivery to align with your chosen date.
- When will my order be dispatched?Dispatch and delivery occur Monday through to Friday, excluding public holidays. Orders placed before 1pm will be dispatched on the same day. If your order is on backorder, a team member will promptly update you on the expected delivery timeline. In the event of an item being out of stock, we will quickly inform you of the situation.
- What delivery options do you offer?
We use Royal Mail for all orders.
Orders under £15 are charged at £2.99 for Tracked 48 delivery. Orders of £15 and over qualify for free Tracked 48 delivery. During checkout, you can choose to upgrade to a faster service if required.
Delivery options available at checkout include:
- Tracked 48: £2.49 (Free on orders £15+)
- Tracked 24: Estimated 1–2 working days – £8.99
- Special Delivery: Next working day – £11.95
All services include tracking information once your order has been dispatched.
- Is VAT included in the price I see?Yes, all prices include VAT at the standard rate. This is designed to enhance your shopping experience by ensuring transparency and ease during your purchase process.
- Do you offer price match?We understand the importance of competitive pricing. We invite our customers to email us with a link to the product they’d like us to consider for a price match. Please ensure the following conditions are met:
- The lower price must be currently available and in stock online from a UK-based retailer.
- The product must be identical, including size, colour, brand and specifications.
- It should be available for immediate purchase and delivery.
- Please note that we do not match prices from marketplace websites, private sellers, search engine platforms or during clearance sales.
- We’re unable to match prices where the competitor is selling less than the cost price.
- Price match cannot be matched after the product has been ordered.
- The price must be publicly visible.
- Price matches are based on the total cost, including delivery charges.
- The competitor’s final price (including any mandatory fees) must be lower than our price
- Also, discounts cannot be applied after the price has been matched.
- Prices must be listed in GBP.
Please contact us with:
A link (URL) to the competitor’s product page
Any relevant details showing the lower price
Our team will review your request and respond as quickly as possible.
- Will I receive tracking information for my delivery?
All orders are sent using a tracked service. You will receive an email confirming when your order has been dispatched. Royal Mail will send a text or email with the expected delivery date. Please ensure your email address and contact number are correct so you receive these updates. If you cannot find your tracking information, please check your junk or spam folder.
- What stock availability do you have?Stock availability is shown on each product page on our website and is kept up to date in real time. This allows you to see whether an item is in stock before placing your order.
- How are rope lengths sold?Rope is sold in 1 metre increments and supplied as one continuous length unless otherwise requested. For example, if you order a quantity of 5, you will receive a single 5 metre length.
- How do I know that my order has been placed
Once your order has been placed, you will receive an email confirming that we have received it. A second email will be sent once your order has been dispatched.
Please ensure your email address is entered correctly at checkout. If you do not receive your confirmation email, check your junk or spam folder before contacting us.
- What ways can I pay?During the checkout process, you will have the option to choose from the following payment methods:
- Credit and Debit Cards
- PayPal
- PayPal - Pay Later
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
- Can I order over the phone?
Yes, our team will be more than happy to process your order and take payment over the phone. Please call us on 01332 416412.
- Is our website secure?Yes, our website is fully secure using double-ended encryption (see HTTPS://) before the web address means it is secure. We also pay for additional protection on our card payments so that you have peace of mind when paying by card. Your security online is the number one priority for us as an online retailer.
- How do I know which sailing rope is right for my boat?The right sailing rope depends on your boat type, sailing style and intended use. Different ropes are designed for halyards, sheets, mooring lines, control lines and general onboard applications. Factors such as strength, stretch, diameter and material all play a role in selecting the best marine rope. If you're unsure, our team can recommend the most suitable sailing rope for your boat and requirements.
- Do you stock products from well-known marine brands?Yes, we stock products from many leading marine and sailing brands trusted by sailors worldwide. Our range includes high-quality sailing equipment, marine hardware, safety gear, ropes, clothing and accessories from manufacturers known for performance, reliability and durability on the water.
- Are your products suitable for beginners as well as experienced sailors?Yes, our marine and sailing products are suitable for all experience levels. Whether you're a first-time boat owner, learning to sail, enjoying recreational boating or competing in yacht racing, we offer equipment and advice to help you find the right products for your needs and budget.
- Can you help me choose the correct safety equipment?Yes, we can help you select the most appropriate marine safety equipment based on your boat type, sailing activity and planned usage. From lifejackets and buoyancy aids to safety lines and onboard safety essentials, our team can provide expert guidance to help keep you safe on the water.
- Do you sell equipment for watersports as well as sailing?Yes, in addition to sailing equipment, we supply a growing range of watersports products and outdoor adventure gear. Our selection includes paddleboarding equipment, kayaking accessories, watersports clothing and essential equipment for enjoying activities both on and off the water.
- Are your products covered by a manufacturer warranty?Most of our marine and sailing products are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Warranty coverage and terms vary by brand and product type. If you have questions about a specific product warranty, our team will be happy to provide further information before or after purchase.
- What should I do if a product I want is out of stock?If a product is out of stock, please contact our team for the latest availability information. We can advise on expected restock dates, recommend suitable alternative products, or help you find a comparable marine or sailing product that meets your requirements.
- How often should sailing ropes be replaced?There is no fixed replacement schedule for sailing ropes, as lifespan depends on usage, environmental conditions and maintenance. Sailing ropes should be inspected regularly for signs of wear, including fraying, flattening, discolouration, stiffness or damaged cores. Heavily used ropes may need replacing sooner, while well-maintained ropes used occasionally can last for many years. Replacing worn sailing ropes helps maintain safety, performance and reliability on the water.
- What are the best sailing brands for beginners?The best sailing brands for beginners are those that combine quality, reliability and ease of use. We stock a range of trusted marine brands suitable for sailors of all experience levels, from first-time boat owners to seasoned racers. For sailing clothing and personal equipment, popular brands include Gill, Crewsaver and Rooster, offering everything from waterproof sailing gear and buoyancy aids to technical apparel and footwear. For sailing hardware and deck equipment, Harken, Allen and Selden are widely recognised for producing durable, high-performance blocks, fittings, rigging components and deck hardware. When it comes to sailing ropes and rigging lines, Kingfisher and Marlow are trusted throughout the marine industry for their quality, strength and performance across a wide range of sailing applications. If you're unsure which products or brands are best suited to your boat, sailing experience or budget, our team is always happy to provide expert advice and recommendations.
- Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?Yes, if your order has not yet been dispatched, we will do our best to amend or cancel it. Please contact us as soon as possible at sales@truenorthsailing.co.uk with your order details. Once an order has been shipped, changes or cancellations may no longer be possible.
- Do you offer faster delivery options?Yes, we offer faster delivery options on all products and UK destinations. Available shipping methods will be displayed at checkout, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your requirements
- Will my order require a signature on delivery?Some higher-value, specialist or age-restricted products may require a signature upon delivery for security and verification purposes. Where applicable, proof of age may also be required when your order is delivered.
- Do you deliver to marinas or boatyards?Yes, we can deliver sailing equipment, marine supplies and watersports products to residential addresses, marinas, boatyards and other UK locations. Simply enter your preferred delivery address during checkout.
- Can I track my order once it has been shipped?Yes, once your order has been dispatched, Royal Mail will provide tracking and delivery updates directly by email or text message where available. To ensure you receive these updates, please check that your contact details are correct when placing your order.
- What happens if my parcel arrives damaged?If your parcel arrives damaged, please contact us as soon as possible at sales@truenorthsailing.co.uk. Include photographs of the packaging and any damaged products so our team can investigate and arrange a suitable resolution quickly.
- Do you offer free delivery?We offer free delivery on qualifying orders. Any free delivery thresholds, exclusions and available shipping options will be displayed during checkout.
- Can I return an item if I ordered the wrong size?Yes, if you have ordered the wrong size, incorrect product or simply need to make a return, you can follow our Refund & Returns Policy. Items must be returned in accordance with our return’s terms and conditions. If you need assistance with a return, our customer support team will be happy to help guide you through the process. Refund & Return Policy | Friendly Online Chandlery | True North
- How long does it take to process a refund?Once your returned item has been received and inspected, refunds are typically processed within 14 days. Refunds will be issued using the original payment method wherever possible. Processing times may vary depending on your payment provider.
- How can I contact the True North Sailing team?You can contact the True North Sailing team by email, WhatsApp, telephone or through our website contact form. We are always happy to assist with product enquiries, order updates, sailing equipment advice and customer support. If we're unable to answer your call, please leave a voicemail, send a message or email us and we'll respond as soon as possible.
- Do you provide advice before purchase?Yes, we offer expert advice before you place an order. Whether you're choosing sailing ropes, marine safety equipment, sailing clothing, deck hardware or watersports products, our team can help you select the most suitable equipment for your boat, activity and budget.
- What should I do if I receive the wrong item?If you receive an incorrect item, please contact us as soon as possible with your order details and photographs where applicable. Our customer support team will work quickly to resolve the issue and arrange a replacement or suitable solution.
- Do you offer customer support after purchase?Yes, we provide ongoing customer support before and after your purchase. Whether you need help with product information, warranty enquiries, returns, delivery questions or equipment recommendations, our team is here to assist.
- Do you offer warranty support?Yes, we offer warranty support on most products in line with the manufacturer’s warranty. If a product develops a fault or issue within the warranty period, we can help guide you through the process of making a claim with the relevant manufacturer. Warranty terms vary depending on the brand and product type, including sailing clothing, marine hardware, ropes and watersports equipment. If you need help with a warranty enquiry, simply contact our team with your order details and we will assist you in resolving the issue as quickly as possible.
- What essential equipment should every boat owner carry?Every boat owner should carry essential safety equipment including lifejackets, safety lines, a first aid kit, navigation tools, waterproof lighting and communication devices such as a VHF radio. This core marine safety equipment helps ensure compliance, safety and preparedness on the water.
- What clothing is recommended for sailing in the UK?The best clothing for sailing in the UK is layered, waterproof and designed specifically for marine conditions. Waterproof jackets, sailing trousers, thermal layers and technical sailing footwear help keep you warm, dry and comfortable in changing weather conditions at sea.
- How often should sailing safety equipment be checked?Sailing safety equipment should be inspected regularly and maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Lifejackets, harnesses, flares, electronics and emergency equipment should be checked before each voyage and serviced or replaced when required to ensure reliability.
- What safety equipment is recommended for offshore sailing?Offshore sailing requires additional safety equipment due to longer distances and more challenging conditions. Recommended offshore sailing safety gear includes lifejackets, harnesses, flares, VHF radios, emergency position-indicating beacons (EPIRBs), first aid kits and navigation equipment appropriate for the voyage.
- How can I improve safety onboard during bad weather?To improve safety onboard in bad weather, always check weather forecasts before departure, secure all loose equipment, wear appropriate sailing clothing and ensure all safety equipment is easily accessible. Maintaining good preparation and situational awareness is key to safe sailing in adverse conditions.
- Do I need specialist footwear for sailing?Yes, specialist sailing footwear is recommended. Sailing shoes and boots are designed to provide grip on wet surfaces, improve stability onboard and offer protection in marine conditions, helping to reduce the risk of slipping on deck.
- Why is marine-specific equipment important?Marine-specific equipment is designed to withstand saltwater, wind, UV exposure and harsh offshore conditions. This makes it more durable, reliable and safer than standard outdoor equipment, especially in demanding sailing and watersports environments.
- What are the benefits of using waterproof bags and cases?Waterproof bags and cases protect essential items such as electronics, clothing and documents from water damage. They are especially useful onboard boats, during sailing trips and for watersports where exposure to spray or immersion is likely.
- Do you offer gift ideas for sailors and boat owners?Yes, we offer a wide range of gift ideas for sailors and boat owners. Popular options include sailing accessories, marine tools, technical clothing, safety gear and practical onboard essentials suitable for all experience levels.